February 20th,
As usual; if I don't write every day, I completely forget what I did in between!
Yesterday afternoon was a visit to a winery in Tauranga, and was a disappointment as far as sightseeing or wine tasting (since I chose cold water) was concerned, but it was a pleasant time for visiting and conversation. In the evening there was a Ho Down Square Dance party (see pictures on Facebook).
It was a relaxing day, and in the morning, before my private Yoga class, I was able to get some computer homework (for the course) done . We are now working on Power Point. I wonder if I will ever excel at EXCEL, which was the theme of the last segment.
Today, the big party for World Cruisers is scheduled at the old cigarette factory in Napier, but as (bad) luck would have it, the weather is most unfriendly, and the forecast for tomorrow is just as bad, but tomorrow I have signed up for a safari trip (open vehicle) in Wellington! Thank goodness the cruise supplied the World Cruisers with a heavy rainproof jacket.
I have been pleasantly surprised to receive a couple of invitations to private parties that will take place next week; one of them is for the 93rd birthday of the fellow who issued it! So you see, I am not the oldest on board.
I have now uploaded a couple of pictures on to Facebook, since I am unable to do so on this blog. You can access them if you go to www.facebook.com and look for me.
All good wishes, Ann
Friday, February 20, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
On Board in Auckland, 2.17.09
Today was a so-called easy day; I stayed on board, although we are docked right downtown in Auckland. I even ate breakfast! SOMETHING I DON'T NORMALLY DO. Then, I went to the Computer lab, and started the homework assignment we have in Power Point. From there, I went to my private Yoga lesson followed by lunch with the instructor. I played bridge in the afternoon, and then took a delicious Sundae with me to the Tea time, where I had a most interesting discussion with a couple I had met last year. Following that, I finally managed to go out on the deck and walk for 1 km (maybe a little more) after which I came back here and fell asleep. I was ready for dinner slightly ahead of my 8 p.m. date at the Prego Restaurant with a fellow cruiser from last year, so I took advantage to watch a TV program about New Zealand and the Maori.
It was an excellent dinner (Italian) and now it is already 11 p.m.
Tomorrow, I have signed up for a tour here in Auckland, and the new people will be coming on board for the next segment of the cruise.
Still no pictures possible on the Blog, and I haven't yet learned how to upload them on Facebook.
All the best to all my readers. Ann
It was an excellent dinner (Italian) and now it is already 11 p.m.
Tomorrow, I have signed up for a tour here in Auckland, and the new people will be coming on board for the next segment of the cruise.
Still no pictures possible on the Blog, and I haven't yet learned how to upload them on Facebook.
All the best to all my readers. Ann
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Good thing there wasn't any Yoga, today, because I NEVER would have made it! As it was, a phone call woke me after 07:30 and we left at 09.00h by tender to Paihia, just across the Bay from Russell and thence in a Catamaran past numerous islands and beautiful scenery, all the way to the "Hole in the Rock". This was similar to a trip I had taken with Philippe and Gwen in 2002/3 when we boarded a large sailboat, and had a wild sail in strong winds. Today, was cold and grey, and the sea was also quite rough, but the scenery was wonderful. On the way back a bunch of Dolphins were frolicking beside the boat, and I even managed to get a couple of (poor) pictures of them; they are so fast! We also saw a school of Gannets.
On the return, after lulnch, the sun came out long enough for me to take a nap on my verandah, and, since then, I have been trying to get my computer up to date. In another hour, there will be some entertainment with a ventriloquist that I like, and after that it will be time for dinner. I have difficulty acknowledging that a full 4 weeks have already passed (1/3 of the trip!) since I left Zürich, and everyone writes about the snow, ice, and cold there.
Did I already write that I saw "The Boy in the Striped Pajama" on Friday night? An interesting and very well acted, but disturbing film about the Holocaust. However, it was so contrived that I can imagine that some viewers mixed the facts with the fiction, which would be a shame, because even today there are people who need to be reminded of the facts.
I also managed to pass the computer final for the 2nd segment on Friday. Tomorrow, we land in Auckland and on Tuesday, the third segment starts.
On the return, after lulnch, the sun came out long enough for me to take a nap on my verandah, and, since then, I have been trying to get my computer up to date. In another hour, there will be some entertainment with a ventriloquist that I like, and after that it will be time for dinner. I have difficulty acknowledging that a full 4 weeks have already passed (1/3 of the trip!) since I left Zürich, and everyone writes about the snow, ice, and cold there.
Did I already write that I saw "The Boy in the Striped Pajama" on Friday night? An interesting and very well acted, but disturbing film about the Holocaust. However, it was so contrived that I can imagine that some viewers mixed the facts with the fiction, which would be a shame, because even today there are people who need to be reminded of the facts.
I also managed to pass the computer final for the 2nd segment on Friday. Tomorrow, we land in Auckland and on Tuesday, the third segment starts.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Friday the 13th, at Sea:cloudy, rainy, and warm
What a day! My usual program on Tuesdays and Fridays is deadly because of a private Yoga class at 12:30 in addition to the one at 08:00. Problem is trying to fit in some time for lunch, since I obviously do not want to eat just BEFORE yoga, and eating afterwards cuts into my Computer class and lab., and since I don't usually eat breakfast, it's rather tricky. Anyway, I'm alive and well, and can move a little better than before, especially when it comes to getting up from the floor. I bought a Video tape of the Yoga, thinking to use it at home, but now I'm not even sure I have a video player!
Last night was a special party for World cruisers, and I sat at a table with 3 couples that I had not met before, but we had a great time. Again, I took pictures which I will eventually put into Facebook, since I can't do it here on the Blog. Same for the pictures I took on the sightseeing tour of New Caledonia, yesterday.
The rest of the family is skiing: Philippe and Gwen in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and Marlyse etc. in Zermatt. I have signed up for a catamaran trip at the Bay of Islands in New Zealand on the 15th.
Every day is something new and interesting.
Last night was a special party for World cruisers, and I sat at a table with 3 couples that I had not met before, but we had a great time. Again, I took pictures which I will eventually put into Facebook, since I can't do it here on the Blog. Same for the pictures I took on the sightseeing tour of New Caledonia, yesterday.
The rest of the family is skiing: Philippe and Gwen in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and Marlyse etc. in Zermatt. I have signed up for a catamaran trip at the Bay of Islands in New Zealand on the 15th.
Every day is something new and interesting.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Busy day; nothing new
Feb 10th,
I woke up early (05:00h) and answered some emails; went to Yoga at 8, etc. etc. Private yoga lesson at 12:30; difficult to fit in any time to eat. Computer class from 13:30 to 15:00. Hot water at the afternoon "tea" and then relaxed at the pool for a short time. Back here, I watche4d two of the enrichment lectures (on TV) that I had missed because of classes, and now it's time to dress (formal) for the Crystal Society cocktails and dancing (especially for me,l since I don't drink or dance!). However, our table waitress asked me last night to wear my Indian outfit that I bought in Mumbai last year. I had worn a similar one at the last formal evening, and she was quite impressed. She even correctly guessed which store it came from! Considering that I had two separate yoga sessions today, I'm still alive and well, and I can even get up from the floor again! That's progress, especially at my age.
Due to the time difference, I will probably have to wait until tomorrow to find out about the Israeli elections.
I woke up early (05:00h) and answered some emails; went to Yoga at 8, etc. etc. Private yoga lesson at 12:30; difficult to fit in any time to eat. Computer class from 13:30 to 15:00. Hot water at the afternoon "tea" and then relaxed at the pool for a short time. Back here, I watche4d two of the enrichment lectures (on TV) that I had missed because of classes, and now it's time to dress (formal) for the Crystal Society cocktails and dancing (especially for me,l since I don't drink or dance!). However, our table waitress asked me last night to wear my Indian outfit that I bought in Mumbai last year. I had worn a similar one at the last formal evening, and she was quite impressed. She even correctly guessed which store it came from! Considering that I had two separate yoga sessions today, I'm still alive and well, and I can even get up from the floor again! That's progress, especially at my age.
Due to the time difference, I will probably have to wait until tomorrow to find out about the Israeli elections.
Monday, February 9, 2009
How I froze on a hot day!
Monday, 9 Feb. 09
Today was a stop in Fiji, but I didn't go ashore, and from what I understand, I was smart not to do so! Everyone practically melted, it was so hot ashore. Also, most people agreed that it was not very interesting. Instead, I did a laundry, and went down to the Computer Room to try to catch up with assignments. That part was fine, but it was absolutely freezing in there! I had to get a sweater in addition to my jacket. After lunch, I played bridge with a very good player as a partner, but her cards were awful all afternoon, and that left me to play the games, and mostly I went down one! In the end, we came in at the bottom!
The sun was still on my balcony, so I read outside, and then took a nap before dinner. We have a pleasant table, which is always nice. I had a picture taken of me which I have now uploaded on Facebook.
Today was a stop in Fiji, but I didn't go ashore, and from what I understand, I was smart not to do so! Everyone practically melted, it was so hot ashore. Also, most people agreed that it was not very interesting. Instead, I did a laundry, and went down to the Computer Room to try to catch up with assignments. That part was fine, but it was absolutely freezing in there! I had to get a sweater in addition to my jacket. After lunch, I played bridge with a very good player as a partner, but her cards were awful all afternoon, and that left me to play the games, and mostly I went down one! In the end, we came in at the bottom!
The sun was still on my balcony, so I read outside, and then took a nap before dinner. We have a pleasant table, which is always nice. I had a picture taken of me which I have now uploaded on Facebook.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Still no pictures! Confusing time.
The only place I can upload pictures is on Facebook! Sorry about that.
My other comment has to do with the time differences; today, it is Saturday here at 18:30 but it is Sunday at 07:30 in Switzerland. Tomorrow, at this time, it will be 17:30 here on Monday! and still 07:30 on Monday in Switzerland. From now on, we will be ahead of you, and not behind you!
There is not much to report; in general, I have given up tournament bridge on sea days in favor of the computer lab. The course takes much of my time! However, I have been saving the information sheets from the bridge lessons, and hope to be able to convince a few of you to play the latest in American Standard, when I am back home.
Tomorrow is another land day, where I don't plan to go on shore; instead, I can do laundry, computer lab, and take a sunbath, or even go into the water. The stop is on FIJI. I took the Circular Island tour of Rarotonga, yesterday, and found it disappointing. The interesting thing was the coconut demonstration (how to peel it, cut it open, drink the milk, and eat the flesh). Lots of fruit trees, and nice vegetation.
There is entertainment every night, but I am not great on that, so I am usually glad to just call it a day. With dinner only at 20:30, it is usually 22:30 and later, even without the entertainment, and since I start with Yoga at 08:00, I am ready for bed. I have noticed that I can already move better since I started Yoga, but I still have not walked the deck.
I have heard from some of you , and will attempt to answer your emails individually.
All good wishes, and in case you are interested: It's great to be here!
My other comment has to do with the time differences; today, it is Saturday here at 18:30 but it is Sunday at 07:30 in Switzerland. Tomorrow, at this time, it will be 17:30 here on Monday! and still 07:30 on Monday in Switzerland. From now on, we will be ahead of you, and not behind you!
There is not much to report; in general, I have given up tournament bridge on sea days in favor of the computer lab. The course takes much of my time! However, I have been saving the information sheets from the bridge lessons, and hope to be able to convince a few of you to play the latest in American Standard, when I am back home.
Tomorrow is another land day, where I don't plan to go on shore; instead, I can do laundry, computer lab, and take a sunbath, or even go into the water. The stop is on FIJI. I took the Circular Island tour of Rarotonga, yesterday, and found it disappointing. The interesting thing was the coconut demonstration (how to peel it, cut it open, drink the milk, and eat the flesh). Lots of fruit trees, and nice vegetation.
There is entertainment every night, but I am not great on that, so I am usually glad to just call it a day. With dinner only at 20:30, it is usually 22:30 and later, even without the entertainment, and since I start with Yoga at 08:00, I am ready for bed. I have noticed that I can already move better since I started Yoga, but I still have not walked the deck.
I have heard from some of you , and will attempt to answer your emails individually.
All good wishes, and in case you are interested: It's great to be here!
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